Sjögrens syndrome

Mouth | General Practice | Sjögrens syndrome (Disease)


Description

Sjögrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own glands with internal secretion.

Symptoms of Sjögrens syndrome includes the glandular level events, and extraglandular. Events at glandular level include: chronic eye dryness, eye irritation, corneal infection or irritation; dry lips, mouth, skin; dysphagia; dental caries; parotid gland enlargement; periodontitis; bitter taste in mouth; lung infections; vaginal infections. Extraglandular manifestations include: arthritis (inflammation of the joints); arthralgia (joint pain); lymph nodes (swollen glands); neuropathies; muscle diseases; hepatomegaly.

Sjögrens syndrome can occur at any age, both women and men. Characteristic symptoms are dry eyes and mouth, and the organs, affecting the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas and central nervous system. There are two types of Sjögrens syndrome: Primary Sjögrens syndrome, the swollen glands are not associated with other connective tissue disorders; Secondary Sjögrens syndrome, which is associated with pathologies such as: Rheumatoid arthritis; Lupus erythematosus; Scleroderma.

Causes and Risk factors

The exact cause of Sjögrens syndrome is not known, but it should be that etiological factor is genetic. The condition is met especially for families whose members suffer from other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid disease, juvenile diabetes, etc.

90% of people with Sjögrens syndrome are female. Lacrimal gland inflammation leads to decreased production of liquid tears and subsequent to ocular dryness. Inflammation and parotid salivary glands leads to dry mouth and lips. The average age of occurrence is 40 years.

One of the most serious complications of Sjögrens syndrome is inflammation of blood vessels, which can lead to tissue necrosis fed by these vessels.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There is no etiologic treatment for Sjögrens syndrome. Therapeutic efforts focus on improving symptoms and preventing complications. Sjögrens syndrome can cause significant damage to vital organs. Some people experience a milder form of pathology, limited to dry eye and mouth. In other cases, episodes of illness alternate with the absence of symptoms. Sjögrens syndrome may evolve into lymphoma. ...